Annual rates

2019 Local Land Services Rates - part of the NSW Government’s commitment for drought relief

In 2018 the NSW Government announced a NSW Emergency Drought Relief Package to help farmers manage the effects of the current drought.

The package includes $100 million for cutting the cost of farming fees and charges including the waiving of Local Land Services rates for 2019.

Around 130,000 rates notices will be sent to NSW ratepayers in January 2019, however, as part of the NSW Government’s drought relief package, Local Land Services rates will not be payable for the period.

Rates notices will show the usual components, but amounts shown will not be payable. NSW Government drought relief package will provide funding to LLS to continue to deliver the services normally funded from rates.

What can Local Land Services do for me in the drought?

Almost all of NSW is now suffering from an extended dry period and the NSW government is supporting LLS ratepayers by removing the payment requirement for 2019 rates.

The NSW government’s commitment to drought impacted regional areas means Local Land Services can continue important work to protect NSW from biosecurity threats, help communities during emergencies and keep markets open for NSW produce while our ratepayers deal with the drought.

The Local Land Services team is here when it matters, helping you with knowledge, networks and experience.

The work of Local Land Services in maintaining biosecurity and animal health services continues, supported by the government in this time of drought.

Our biosecurity, animal health and emergency response services are part of what we do to protect agriculture and the environment from pests, diseases and environmental threats.

To find out how you can work with Local Land Services visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au or contact your local office.

Local Land Services is available to offer ongoing advice for farmers and landholders dealing with drought. We offer hands-on support where possible and endeavour to provide up to date localised information about managing and recovering from drought

our District Veterinarians manage and advise on livestock health and welfare

our TSR rangers manage permits for grazing on TSRs and roads

We also assist in administering drought support packages and coordinate and conduct relevant drought workshops with guest speakers, including rural support workers and rural financial counsellors.

Visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au or contact your local office to find out what events and programs are available.

What rates provide

While the 2019 rates will not be payable by landholders, the work that Local Land Services usually funds from rates continues during these tough drought times. NSW Government will provide funding to LLS to ensure these services continue. Our commitment to providing biosecurity services to landholders includes:

the coordination of programs to control priority pest animals and insects, including access to baits, traps and chemicals, advice on control methods and assistance in forming groups to tackle pests

the provision of animal health services, including animal health and drought feeding advice, diagnosis of flock and herd issues and response to emergency disease outbreaks

the administration of stock identification systems, including property identification codes, brands, earmarks and compliance with the National Livestock Identification System

the local administration of drought and other natural disaster relief

the delivery of agricultural emergency management assistance for drought and other natural disaster relief (bushfires, floods).

Biosecurity services provide insurance against pests and disease and help maintain vital domestic and international market access for producers. Examples of biosecurity projects in the past have included outbreaks of fire ants and avian influenza, as well as statewide wild dog management programs.

Rates are not our only income

Rates are not the only source of income for Local Land Services – they make up less than a quarter of our funding. Rates are allocated completely to biosecurity, to provide protection against pests, weeds and disease and to maintain vital market access for producers.

As well as landholder rates, the NSW Government provides funding to support our core functions and through the Catchment Action NSW program.

The Australian Government also contributes funding through the National Landcare Program, which helps drive sustainable agriculture, as well as supporting the protection, conservation and rehabilitation of Australia’s natural environment.